Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

The Garda can be trusted to be neutral in giving an opinion on this issue and in doing its job. The powers granted to authorised officers are granted to gardaí. We do not have any plans to appoint authorised officers beyond members of the Garda.

I do not want to go too much into the issue of extraordinary rendition because it is a question that should be directed to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has some responsibility with regard to airport and air navigation Acts, but the issue of rendition, if it is occurring, is one for the Minister for Foreign Affairs. I would point out there have been a number of investigations into allegations of extraordinary rendition and none has revealed any evidence or even a specific allegation that any person on any occasion has been subject to extraordinary rendition through Ireland. I refer in particular to the investigation of the Council of Europe and the CIPT-UN committee.

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